The city witnessed heavy traffic snarls at various areas on Friday owing to potholes, vehicle breakdown and cyber attack on the JNPT system. Areas like Mumbai Nasik Highway, Majiwada junction, Mumbra Shilphata road, Kharegaon toll naka, Kalher, Kasheli and Mankoli junction were hit with massive jams. The congestion, which began around 8.30am, continued till afternoon.

Commuters travelling towards Thane, Mumbai, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai and Nasik were stuck for hours along the Mumbai-Nasik Highway and the Mumbra Shil Phata road. These routes are used by heavy vehicles along with the motorist, adding to the traffic woes.

A traffic police officer requesting anonymity said, “Three heavy vehicles broke down along the Mumbai-Nasik highway, leading to the jam. Moreover, those who took the Mumbra Shil Road were also stuck owing to huge potholes that developed on the Mumbra Bypass. There was also water logging along the Retibunder, adding to the woes.”

The vehicle pile-up was over seven to eight kilometers long. Vehicles coming towards Thane were stuck right up to Pavel in Navi Mumbai.

“The containers were stuck at the JNPT port as their system was attacked by ransomware virus. The bunching of these containers has also added to the traffic along Mumbra Shil and Kalwa Naka roads. Efforts are on to ease the jam, however, the situation might worsen during the evening peak hours.”

The jam has also affected city areas along Majiwada junction, Mumbra and Kalwa inconveniencing the commuters.